ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN KROGER ANNOUNCES SENTENCING IN A PENDLETON ROBBERY

September 22, 2010

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Dillon James Grimes will serve 90 months in prison

Attorney General John Kroger announced the sentencing of a man to 90 months in prison for robbery.

Dillon James Grimes (DOB: 9/21/90) was sentenced today to 90 months in prison after being convicted of First Degree Robbery, Second Degree Robbery, Menacing, Criminal Mischief, Third Degree Escape, Second Degree Theft and Unlawful Entry of a Motor Vehicle. Deputy District Daniel H. Pachico prosecuted the case.

Grimes was convicted and sentenced based on a Jan. 28 incident in which Pendleton Police were dispatched to a robbery at Super 8 motel. Grimes was discovered smashing car windows in order to steal property.

One of the vehicle owners accompanied by an employee at the Super 8 motel approached Grimes, who responded by threatening the vehicle owner with a post hole driver. Officers arrested Grimes shortly at a nearby hotel. Grimes was had just been released from prison on October 1, 2009, after serving 9 months for First Degree Burglary of an occupied dwelling.

"It's important that the citizens of Umatilla County know that the law will be vigorously prosecuted during this difficult time for the district attorney's office," said Attorney General Kroger. "While I am temporarily running the office, public safety will remain the top priority."

Umatilla County District Attorney Dean Gushwa stepped aside last month while the Oregon Department of Justice conducts a criminal investigation into his conduct.

At the request of District Attorney Gushwa and Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Attorney General Kroger stepped in to run the office until the investigation is complete.

In addition to assigning senior assistant attorneys general to the Umatilla County District Attorney's Office, Attorney General Kroger has also asked the Legislature to provide funds to cover the cost.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department's mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.